Early-War Rescue & Demolition Party

A group portrait of a Rescue & Demolition Party probably taken early in the war (or even pre-war) going by the complete lack of uniforms on show (they have respirator carriers, helmets, armbands and ARP badges visible). On the right wearing the armband is the Leader of the Rescue Party. Helmets feature the letters "R & D". Location unknown.

Rescue Parties like this were usually manned by 10 volunteers drawn from various trades such as carpenters and builders or council workmen. They had responsibility for extricating people (or bodies) from bombed buildings, rendering first aid and also shoring up or demolishing bomb-damaged buildings. The role of the Rescue Parties evolved through the war with Light and Heavy Rescue Parties developing:

Image courtesy of Jon Mills.

Early-War Rescue & Demolition Party